The Real Estate License Professor

HOW TO OBTAIN AN IOWA REAL ESTATE LICENSE

In the State of Iowa , exams, licensing, and continuing education for real estate agents are governed by the Iowa Professional Licensing and Regulation Division.

There are two basic real estate licenses in Iowa, a salesperson's license and a broker's license. Generally, a salesperson's license allows the holder to sell real estate only under the auspices of a licensed broker. (Salesperson's licenses are generally what people refer to when they say they have a real estate license.)

Sales Persons License (Good for 3 years)

• Must be 18 years of age - no residency or citizenship requirement
• Must be sponsored by broker after they pass the exam; cannot apply for an inactive license
• Complete the 60-hour pre-license course from an approved provider
• Successfully pass the state and national portions of the examination
• Undergo a criminal history and background investigation
• Obtain errors and omissions insurance

Brokers License (Good for 3 years)

• A broker applicant must have 24 months of active salesperson
  experience and complete 72 hours of broker pre-license education within the preceding 24 months
• Successfully pass the state and national portions of the examination
• Undergo a criminal history and background investigation
• Provide verification of current errors and omissions insurance
• Include current wall certificate with the application
• Brokers who have never renewed as a salesperson must provide documentation of attendance of the following three courses:  12 hours buying practices, 12 hours listing practices and 12 hours developing professionalism and ethical practices.

Iowa has reciprocal agreements with:

1. Alabama
2. Arkansas
3. Colorado
4. Georgia
5. Idaho
6. Illinois
7. Indiana
8. Kansas
9. Kentucky
10. Maine
11. Massachusetts
12. Minnesota
13. Mississippi
14. Montana
15. Nebraska
16. North Carolina
17. North Dakota
18. Oklahoma
19. South Dakota
20. Tennessee
21. West Virginia
22. Wyoming

Anyone holding licenses from any of these states may apply for a reciprocal license, and may be able to forego some classroom work and other requirements.